Minister Anroux Marais' speech at the opening of the Dias and Port Festival

It gives me great pleasure to open the 2018 Dias and Port Festival in the beautiful Mossel Bay this evening. I am especially happy to be a part of the festival as its theme is “where cultures meet”. This theme is indeed fitting because it embodies the landing of Bartolomeu Dias and his fleet in 1488 when the European and indigenous South African cultures met in what we know to be Mossel Bay today.

I trust this year’s festival will showcase that we have more in common than that that sets us apart and will be the space in which we celebrate our diversity and together work towards a socially inclusive nation.

There is no doubt in my mind that the 2018 festival will again celebrate our cultural diversity. Not only are we in for local treats and performances, we also have various other countries showcasing their cultural expressions.

I trust you will enjoy the festival and take home beautiful memories made in Mossel Bay.